UPDATE: A further Amber warning has been issued with the largest snowfalls most likely to be across Wales and parts of the Midlands.
For anyone wondering about the weather improving, don’t worry, this cold snap looks set to continue before the UK is hit with more snow, strong winds and heavy rain from Thursday night.
The Met Office had already issued yellow ice warnings for most of the UK, including Northern Ireland, on Wednesday morning. Thanks to Storm Goretti (named by Meteo France, the French Met Office), a yellow weather warning for snow is expected in a large part of England.
In place from 6pm on Thursday until midday on Friday (January 8 to 9), this area covers as far south as Bristol and north as Sheffield, as well as most of Wales, with Birmingham bang in the middle of it.
Why is this happening?
A deepening area of low pressure will move across the south of the UK during Thursday and into Friday. This will clash with the very cold air here, meaning Thursday night could be what is called a ‘multi-hazard’ event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank.
A yellow warning for snow has been issued for parts of England and Wales, where heavy snow could lead to disruption and difficult travelling conditions. A yellow warning for wind is also in place for the southwest of the UK. The exact track of Storm Goretti is still uncertain, however, so it is important to keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts.
How will Storm Goretti affect the UK?
Snow accumulations of 5-10cm are possible, with as much as 20cm possible over higher ground in Wales. Gusts of 50-60mph, possibly 70mph around exposed coasts, could hit the southwest.
What other warnings are in place?
UKHSA Amber cold-weather health alerts—set up to highlight when adverse temperatures are likely to impact the health and well-being of the population—are in place for all regions of England until January 11.
Looking ahead to the weekend?
Temperatures look to stay well-below average into the weekend, with wintry showers and ice still a hazard in many places. Saturday will be mostly dry with clear and sunny spells in Birmingham, while Sunday will be cloudier and potentially rainier.